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2026 Overnight Summer Camp Schedule

session 1 - SPORTS & ADVENTURE

AGES  9 - 15 YEARS OLD               $ 535 PER CAMPER
sunday, july 12th @ 6 pm - friday, july 17th @ 2 pm

Get ready for a high energy week packed with movement, teamwork, and outdoor fun! Campers will jump into a wide variety of sports and games, including soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football, swimming, gaga ball, handball, badminton, archery, capture the flag, frisbee golf, cornhole, and even an Amazing Race–style challenge. There’s something for every athlete — from beginners to seasoned players.


A highlight of the week is our Ropes Course & Aerial Playground Day, where campers can climb, balance, and challenge themselves in a safe, supportive environment.


Throughout the week, cabins will compete in friendly team challenges, learn new skills, and enjoy classic summer camp favourites. Whether they’re running the field, shooting hoops, diving into the pool, or cheering on their teammates, campers will stay active, engaged, and smiling from ear to ear.


So lace up your sneakers, leave the video games at home, and get ready for a week of sports, adventure, and unforgettable camp fun.

session 2 - tHE gREAT oUTDOORS - WILDERNESS CAMP

AGES 9 -15 Years old                  $ 535 PER CAMPER
sunday, july 19th @ 6 PM - friday, july 24th @ 2 PM

Adventure awaits! This week is perfect for campers who love exploring the outdoors, getting muddy, learning new skills, and discovering the magic of the forest. Campers will dive into hands-on wilderness challenges like shelter building, basic orienteering, fire safety demonstrations, and beginner survival scenarios — all designed to build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature.


But the fun doesn’t stop there! Wilderness Week also features camper favourite theme days like Wet & Wild Day, complete with a summer style water balloon battle and an afternoon pool party. Cabins will take on a creek-stomp challenge and put their nature knowledge to the test as they search for bugs, critters, and tree clues during scavenger hunts to earn cabin points. Campers will also enjoy classic forest fun like archery, teambuilding challenges, and outdoor games in the woods.

And of course, there’s still plenty of time for traditional camp favourites — sports, crafts, camp games, and all the activities that make overnight camp unforgettable.


If your camper loves adventure, exploring, and trying new things, this is the perfect week to unplug, get outside, and experience the wild side of Gesstwood.

session 3 - forest game week - gesstwood olympics

ages 7 -15 years old                  $ 430 PER CAMPER
monday, july 27th @ 6 pm - thursday, july 30th @ 2 PM

Get ready for a week of friendly competition, teamwork, and outdoor fun! Forest Games Week brings the excitement of the Olympics to Gesstwood — with a nature inspired twist. Campers ages 7 - 15 will participate in a mix of “summer” and “winter” style events adapted for the forest, fields, and
indoor spaces. No snow required — just imagination, movement, and lots of cheering!


Throughout the week, campers will join teams, earn points through fun challenges, create team flags, and celebrate each other’s accomplishments. With activities like relay races, obstacle courses,
target games, creative challenges, and a final “Closing Ceremony,” this week is all about teamwork, confidence, and joyful competition.


Perfect for active campers who love to move, try new things, and be part of something big.

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session 4 - pee wee introduction to camp
celebration - holiday camp

ages 5 - 8 years old                    $ 320 PER CAMPER
tuesday, august 4th @ 9 am - thursday, august 6th @ 2 pm

Celebrate all your favourite holidays in one unforgettable week! Holiday Week brings the magic of Winter Wonderland, Halloween Fun, Birthday Bash, Spring Celebration, and Summer Party to life through themed games, crafts, songs, and outdoor adventures — the perfect, joy-filled introduction to overnight camp.


Campers will enjoy Trick-or-Treat scavenger hunts, Easter egg searches, St. Patrick’s Day challenges, Canada Day celebrations, a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party, and our famous Cabin Christmas Tree Decorating Contest. Campers are encouraged to bring a Halloween costume, an ugly Christmas sweater, something green for St. Patrick’s Day, and red and white clothing for our Canada Day BBQ/pool party. One cabin will be crowned Most Festive Cabin at the end of the week.

Alongside the holiday fun, campers will still enjoy all the classic camp favourites — swimming, sports, crafts, archery, campfires, and more.


Holiday Week is a fantastic choice for first time overnight campers. Bring a friend and enjoy a weeklong sleepover full of laughter, memories, and new traditions.


If registering with a friend, campers must be within one year of age to share a cabin. Both families must request each other in the “Cabin Partner” section of the application.

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session 5 - trailblazers & forest adventures

ages 7 -11 years old                  $ 430 PER CAMPER
tuesday, august 4th @ 9 am - friday, august 7th @ 2 pm

Trailblazers & Forest Fun Overnight Camp is designed especially for younger campers who are excited to explore the outdoors, make new friends, and experience the joy of overnight camp in a safe and nurturing setting. Throughout the week, campers enjoy a balanced mix of nature exploration, outdoor skills, creative activities, and classic camp traditions.


From guided forest hikes and wildlife discovery to archery, campfire cooking, crafts, and stargazing, campers build confidence, independence, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Our caring staff support campers every step of the way, ensuring a positive and memorable first overnight experience.


This week is perfect for campers ages 7–11 who are ready for adventure, curiosity, and the magic of sleeping under the stars.

session 6 - the big summer mix-up

ages 11 - 15 years old               $ 535 PER CAMPER
sunday, august 9th @ 6 pm - friday, august 14th @ 2 pm

A week full of variety, creativity, and adventure!


Every day brings a brand new adventure! Big Summer Mix-Up Camp gives campers a taste of Gesstwood’s most popular themes — from sports to science to forest exploration — all wrapped into one unforgettable week. Campers stay active, creative, curious, and connected as they rotate through high-energy theme days designed to spark joy and build confidence. It’s the perfect choice for campers who love variety and want to try it all.


Throughout the week, campers will experience a mix of exciting themed days such as:

  • Sports & Adventure Day – Amazing race competition,  team challenges, and we will even bring back a few favourite colour war competitions. 

  • Mad Science & Art in the Wild Day  – hands-on experiments and creative building – nature-inspired crafts, creativity, and imagination.

  • Forest Explorers Day – nature walks, wildlife discovery, and outdoor skills.

  • Survivor Day – what cabin survives Wilderness Day and is titled Gesstwood Survivor Cabin.

  • Mix-Up Celebration Friday – a little bit of everything wrapped into one big finale.


This week is designed to keep campers engaged, energized, and excited from start to finish. With a new theme each day, children get to explore different interests, try new activities, and discover what they love most — all while enjoying classic camp games, swimming, crafts, and outdoor play. 

 

Big Summer Mix-Up Camp is ideal for families who want a well-rounded, high-variety camp experience that keeps every day fresh and fun.

get in touch

What are you inquiring about?

Phone Number: 519-776-7119

Address: 1034 Mole Side Road. Essex, ON N8M 2Y1

© 2025 Gesstwood Camp

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